Sep. 4, 2008 - Math on the Level 9's Down Fact Books
I have received a few e-mails asking me how I like our Math on the Level math program. The answer is "I LOVE IT!" This resource is such a fantastic way to teach my children the different math concepts when they are ready. Not when someone else tells me I need to teach them. As a huge proponent of Ruth Beechick's ideology, as well as an up and coming Charlotte Masonite, this program fits so well with the idea of natural, relaxed learning. I always could teach my kids reading concepts, writing, science, history, etc., when they were ready. Now Math on the Level allows me to do the same with math. It has been such a huge blessing in our homeschool.
BUT..on to the real reason for this post. :O) We recently got our hands on Math on the Level's 9's Down Fact Books. (You can get printed copies or e-books. We have the e-book version.) Below is a quick description from the author's, Carlita, own words:
"Have you ever noticed that your children do fine on recalling
the 1's, 2's, 3's, 4's and 5's on their math facts, but slow waaaay
down on the 6's, 7's, 8's, and 9's? Mine had that trouble. One day
when I was thinking about it, I had a brilliant flash of the obvious:
they never master them because we hardly ever practice them! By
starting at the low numbers every fall and working up, we don't get to
the challenging facts until the end of the year when everyone's tired.
The solution? Our 9's Down Math Facts. These are drill sheets (yes,
Math on the Level actually has one area where we use drill sheets) that
help a child increase recall speed, but starting with the 9's and adding
one fact at a time. And now 9's Down's are available in e-book format."
I personally feel that daily drill should be something that is worked on in upper elementary to junior high age. Well, since my kids are in 5th and 7th grades, I felt like it was time to get to work on really hammering down those addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. On the surface, one thing I really liked about these books is that they start with the 9's. These are facts that my kids really didn't have a lot of practice with or a lot of confidence in. Once I received the books, I was greatly pleased with the record keeping ability. Let me explain...
The books are set up with instructions on use, as well as 2 different types of recording keeping pages. I liked them both, so we use them both. :O) I printed off 8 copies of the shorter record keeping pages for myself. I labeled half of these for 1 child, then the second half for the other child. So now, each child has 4 pages. I think you can see where I'm going with this. LOL! Now, I labeled each with ADDITION, SUBTRACTION, MULTIPLICATION, and DIVISION. So now, I have a record for each child and each operation. I placed my copies in my Overview and Record Keeping Binder, which is a part of the Math on the Level Resource Package. I also printed off the answer keys for each of the operations, each on a different colored piece of paper. Addition is pink, subtraction is blue, and so on. Now my binder has in it the Addition answer key, followed by the addition record keeping sheets for each child. Then comes subraction, then multiplication, and then division.
Remember I mentioned the 2 types of record keeping sheets? I printed 8 of those as well. I gave the kids each 4, which they labeled with the 4 operations. These are hole-punched and placed in their math notebooks. +, -, x, then /. Each of these record keeping pages has a place to chart their scores. I like the additional visual as well using this tool to indirectly teach them graphs and charts. :O) A small extra bonus!
Each week, they work on 1 operation drill page per day. Addition is on Monday, Subtraction Tuesday, Multiplication Wednesday, and Division is Thursday. Once they are done on one day, then I allow them to check the answers while I read them from the answer key. We then figure the # missed, if any, then figure out the percentage score. Then all is recorded on the different record keeping sheets. I record on mine and they on theirs.
There are several different levels of sheets in these books. Another factor that makes this very interesting is that Carlita recommends the child scores 2-100%'s before they move on to the next sheet for that operation. The kids have set their own goals and get really excited to see when they get to move on to the next pages. I do have to say that at different times, both of my children have made silly mistakes with the very beginning pages and I did let them move on, even though they did not get the 2 consecutive 100's. BUT, now that they are further into the sheets, they know they need to get them. However, since the program is geared for me to do what is best for my kids, I may be a little more lenient down the road, only if I need to be.
I think this also helps the kids to set their own goals, as well as being careful to work hard and not make careless mistakes. In the grown-up world, we don't always get to move on if we mess up. I guess I didn't realize my kids would pick up on good character traits as well as cementing those math facts! :O)
I highly recommend even if you are not going to use the Math on the Level program for your core math resource, that you at least pick up copies of the 9's Down Math Fact books.
You can see those here:
Oh, did I also mention that I have been very pleased with the way Math on the Level coordinates with my math handbooks as well as math flashcards? They have been great compliments to each other. :O)
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Jul. 14, 2007 - Homeschooling at the Speed of Life
I want to share with you all a great book that I just finished reading. It is titled Homeschooling at the Speed of Life: Balancing Home, School, and Family in the Real World by Marilyn Rockett.
I love home organization books. I also love and collect homeschool related books. The funny thing is, before I received the book, I had no idea that it dealt with home organization. This book gracefully combines both into one. I really appreciate the fact that Marilyn, a veteran homeschooler, shares these tried and true organization tips with those of us who are still plugging along in our homeschool journey. And on top of that, the ideas are practical and useful for a busy homeschooling mom.
Aside from the wonderful emphasis on organizing and keeping an organized home, Marilyn so correctly discusses that we need to order our lives and homeschools around the Lord. I am so blessed to own a copy of a book that truly takes a Titus 2 approach in helping homeschool moms keep their focus on loving the Lord. The book is packed full of great info, and I was doubly pleased to find questions at the end of each chapter. Not only that, but each chapter has an added section for devotion where you can look up verses that pertain to the topics discussed. It means so much to me to be able to read an organization/homeschooling book that focuses on my spiritual needs as wel
The book also comes with a CD which contains a plethora of forms to use in helping you organize your home. Now, you may have many systems and ideas, but Marilyn has truly covered all the bases with these forms, including tips and ideas on implementing them. There is definitely something for everyone on the CD. There are 32 types of forms on the CD and so many possibilities. As I was reading the book, I would check out the CD and sure enough, one of the ideas she had mentioned already had a form created.
So for the seasoned organizer all the way to the disorganized, there is definitely something in this book for you. I suggest you grab your copy and get reading! If you're like me, you'll be chomping at the bit to get organized!
For more information, check out Marilyn's website http://MarilynRockett.com
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Apr. 19, 2007 - A Woman of Noble Character
On Monday I received a wonderful resource in the mail. It is titled A Woman of Noble Character: Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman in Today's Busy World. This book is written by Susan Sikes. I have to say that I love it! There is no other way around it.
My parents were divorced when I was pretty young, so my mom had to work a full time job and take care of my sister and me. My mom worked hard and never complained. She had dinner on the table every night at 6:00. Sometimes it was a great meal and others it was what we could afford at the time. I can remember growing up thinking that having potato chips heated in the oven was a special treat. Little did I know they were stale and Mom was trying to make them go just a little further.
All this extra info to say that because of the unwanted circumstances, Mom worked herself to the bone trying to make sure that my sister and I were happy. In the course of this, she had us do minimal chores. When I went away to college, I can remember standing in front of the dorm washer and thinking to myself, "What in the world am I supposed to do?" Yes, it was really that bad!
I still struggle with homemaking, and honestly I just don't like it! But as a Christian woman, I know that it is part of my devotion to my family. I prefer to eat out as many meals as I can. I don't like to cook nor do dishes. I don't like to dust nor fold laundry. The funny thing is, I actually know people who really like to do these things.
Susan's book is very motivational! I am looking forward to getting myself re-organized in the homemaking area. Cooking, cleaning, and general home organization will be much easier with the tips and ideas found in this book.
The items covered are priorities, character, decorating, house cleaning, finances, shopping, homemade gift baskets, organization, entertaining, cooking, recipes, and lots of other goodies!
I truly hope you stroll over to http://outofthenestandbeyond.com to take a look at this highly recommended resource! Tell Susan I sent you! ;O) (I do not get any compensation if you do, I just want her to know how much I truly enjoy her book.)
